Giving Voice to Depression

So many people living with depression hear the advice: “If you need help, just ask.” But when you’re in the middle of a dark episode, those words can feel vague, overwhelming, or even impossible.In this powerful conversation, mental health advocate Sam Dylan Finch—a suicide attempt survivor who has lost friends to suicide—shares his 10 practical scripts for asking for help with depression. These aren’t abstract ideas, but real words you can use when you’re struggling and don’t know what to say.From small requests like asking someone to remind you of your value, to urgent pleas such as, “I’m suicidal. I need help right now,” Sam’s language is compassionate, clear, and potentially lifesaving.This episode is one you’ll want to save, share, and return to whenever you—or someone you love—feels lost in the darkness of depression.Link to Sam's article: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-ways-to-reach-out-when-youre-struggling-with-your-mental-health/Primary Topics Covered:Why “just ask for help” isn’t always realisticSam’s personal story of loss and survival10 practical scripts for asking for specific supportHow to request help with everyday tasks when depressedAsking loved ones for affirmations and reminders of worthLanguage to use when you feel unsafe or suicidalWhy believing you are worthy of help is criticalBreaking stigma around needing supportTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and why this episode matters 01:07 - The gap between advice to “ask for help” and reality 01:37 - Sam’s personal loss and reflections on not reaching out 02:24 - Why vague advice fails people in crisis 03:17 - What tools and scripts can offer in the moment 04:02 - Script #6: Asking for help with specific tasks 05:22 - How small support requests help both sides 06:04 - Script #7: Asking for affirmations or favorite memories 07:15 - Reminiscing as a healing tool 07:42 - Script #8: “I’m struggling and afraid I’m reaching my limit” 08:41 - Balancing urgency and clarity in crisis requests 09:00 - Script #9: Reaching out to acquaintances when isolated 09:51 - The importance of believing you’re worthy of connection 10:27 - Script #10: Directly saying “I’m suicidal. I need help now.” 11:22 - Why suicide is an emergency like any other 12:16 - Why reaching out is always worth it 12:35 - The importance of staying alive and asking again 13:05 - Reflections on believing you are worthy of support 14:09 - Personal examples of using Sam’s strategies 14:37 - Healing through affirmations and positive reminders 15:12 - Closing messages of hope and connectionExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Being told to “just ask for help” isn’t helpful when you don’t have the words. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, mental health advocate Sam Dylan Finch shares his first five practical scripts for reaching out when depression makes it hard to speak up.As a suicide attempt and suicide loss survivor, Sam understands the barriers that keep people from asking for help—and why clear, specific language can save lives. From simply saying “I don’t want to be alone” to asking a friend to check in on you, these tools give you a starting point when words feel impossible.This episode offers compassionate, real-world guidance that makes asking for help with depression less intimidating and more doable.Link to Sam's list: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-ways-to-reach-out-when-youre-struggling-with-your-mental-health/Link to Sam's blog: letsqueerthingsup.com/tag/mental-health/Primary Topics CoveredWhy “just ask for help” isn’t always realistic adviceSam Dylan Finch’s personal story of loss and survival5 practical scripts for reaching out during depressionAsking for company when you don’t want to be aloneHow to make specific requests that loved ones can honorAsking for distraction when you’re not ready to talkWhy check-ins can be lifesavingThe role of peer support in mental health recoveryTimestamps00:00 - Introduction to Giving Voice to Depression 01:02 - Social media posts that inspire peer support 02:29 - Introducing Sam Dylan Finch: writer, advocate, survivor 03:06 - Why Sam wrote “10 Ways to Reach Out When Struggling” 03:54 - Losing a close friend to suicide and lessons learned 04:42 - Why loved ones—not just clinicians—matter in crisis 05:20 - Normalizing the need to ask for help 06:03 - Script #1: “I don’t want to be alone” 07:00 - Script #2: “What I’ve been trying isn’t working—can we make a plan?” 08:46 - Script #3: “I don’t feel safe—can you stay on the phone or come over?” 09:39 - Script #4: “I’m in a bad place, but not ready to talk. Can you distract me?” 11:49 - Script #5: “Can you check in with me (on a specific schedule)?” 13:36 - Why connection and visibility matter in recovery 14:48 - How early check-ins prevent crises from escalating 15:13 - Closing reflections and preview of Part 2Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What actually helps when you’re deep in depression? After five years and over 300 episodes of Giving Voice to Depression, Terry and Bridget reflect on the most powerful coping tools they’ve learned from guests who’ve lived it.From journaling and safety plans to laughter, music, and sleep, they revisit the strategies that consistently come up as life-saving—and why no single tool works for everyone, every time. They also reflect on the heartbreaking reality that even with resources and support, families sometimes still lose loved ones to suicide—and how that truth drives their mission.This heartfelt conversation honors the courage of every guest who shared vulnerably, and the power of story to remind us that while we may sometimes feel alone, we are never truly alone in our struggles with depression.Primary Topics CoveredThe most powerful depression coping tools learned over 5 yearsWhy journaling and expressive writing can be transformativeSleep as a critical foundation for mental healthDistraction strategies: comedy, YouTube, games, and musicCreating a “toolbox” or “comfort box” to use during tough timesBuilding safety plans for moments of crisisThe painful reality of suicide loss despite resources and effortThe difference between being physically alone vs. not alone in experienceThe power of shared stories to reduce isolationGratitude for the community built through the podcastTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Part 2 of reflections 00:12 - Exploring coping tools learned from guests 00:30 - Journaling and expressive writing as therapy 01:18 - Morning routines and accountability practices 01:54 - Sleep as a key to managing depression 02:20 - Distraction tools: comedy, puzzles, music, and more 03:08 - Creating a comfort box of reminders and supports 03:43 - Safety plans: preparing for moments of crisis 04:46 - Writing affirmations in your own handwriting 05:22 - Why it’s hard to accept compliments when depressed 06:01 - The most impactful guest stories and metaphors 07:34 - The reality of suicide loss despite support 09:01 - Suicidal thoughts and depression: overlapping circles 09:45 - The authenticity of real-time lived experiences 10:19 - Understanding “you’re not alone” differently 11:08 - Choosing solitude vs. the power of shared story 12:16 - Creating distance to process painful experiences 13:22 - A poet’s metaphor: visualizing thousands of listeners 13:56 - Building a global community of connection and hope 15:24 - Reflections on the personal and shared journey 16:33 - Celebrating growth, advocacy, and future contributionsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

After more than 300 episodes and countless powerful interviews, what stands out the most about living with depression? In this reflective conversation, Terry and Bridget share the biggest lessons they’ve learned from five years of cohosting Giving Voice to Depression.From understanding how depression manifests differently in each person, to seeing the courage it takes for someone to tell their story, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the impact of thousands of conversations. Terry and Bridget also open up about how their personal understanding of depression has deepened, the responsibility of holding others’ stories, and why naming depression can be the first step toward recovery.This is part one of a special two-part series looking back on five years of learning, growing, and giving voice to depression.Primary Topics Covered:What 5+ years of podcasting about depression has revealedMoving from statistics to personal, human stories of depressionHow sharing lived experiences reduces stigma and isolationThe courage and vulnerability of guests who share their truthsDifferent ways depression manifests across individualsWhy recognizing symptoms earlier can change recovery pathsThe impact of consistent listener feedback and supportBuilding a “toolkit” for managing depression over timeTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and 311 episodes milestone 00:33 - From statistics to people: why stories matter 02:00 - The honor of holding others’ lived experiences 04:19 - Listener impact: moments of connection and hope 06:26 - Why Terry and Bridget committed to this work 08:21 - Key takeaways about depression from hundreds of interviews 10:25 - How personal experiences shaped their understanding 11:57 - Depression manifests differently for everyone 13:05 - Gratitude and depression can coexist 13:43 - The universal “voice of depression” and its lies 15:05 - Building a depression toolkit through shared storiesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. In this episode, Dr. David Jacobi from Rogers Behavioral Health joins us to explain how CBT works, why it helps people break free from negative cycles, and what small steps we can take to start feeling better.We explore the CBT triangle—how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected—and why changing your behaviors first can help shift your mindset and emotions. Dr. Jacobi also shares practical strategies like behavioral activation and explains the role of routine, pleasurable, and valued activities in recovery.If you’ve ever felt stuck in depression’s grip, this episode offers hope, clarity, and actionable tools to support healing.Primary Topics Covered:What Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is and how it worksThe CBT triangle: how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each otherWhy behavioral activation is key to breaking depressive cyclesSmall steps that make a big impact in recoveryThe importance of support without enabling depressive behaviorsThe role of medication as part of a broader treatment planTimestamps:00:00 Intro to the episode and guest 01:05 What CBT is and how it helps with depression and anxiety 02:12 The CBT triangle: thoughts, feelings, and behaviors 04:16 Why behavior changes matter most for recovery 05:48 Avoidance vs. active coping strategies 07:25 Shifting from helplessness to empowerment through action 08:37 Routine, pleasurable, and valued activities in recovery 10:52 Building motivation by committing to small actions 12:35 The role of support and accountability in CBT 13:11 Avoiding symptom accommodation in loved ones 14:26 Encouraging engagement without enabling depressive behaviors 14:59 Medication as another tool in the recovery toolbox 15:45 Why consistent small steps matter most in healing 16:27 No step is too small: celebrating progress 17:28 Supporting yourself with self-encouragement 18:07 Closing reflections and upcoming announcementsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Negative thoughts can feel like facts when you live with depression or bipolar disorder. But they aren’t always true—and they don’t have to control your mood or behavior.In this episode, Patty shares her decades-long journey with bipolar disorder, depression, and suicidal thoughts—and how discovering cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) later in life gave her new tools to challenge destructive thought patterns. Alongside guest co-host Dr. Anita Sands, the conversation explores how learning to question your thoughts can protect your mental health, relationships, and even your life.Patty’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to learn skills that can change your future.Link to article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610Primary Topics Covered:Patty’s late diagnosis with bipolar disorder after decades of symptomsThe impact of manic highs, depressive crashes, and suicide attemptsHow untreated mental illness strained her family and relationshipsThe turning point: learning about her illness and building a “toolbox”Why sleep disruption is an early warning sign for mania or depressionHow CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) reframed her thought patternsA real-life example of using CBT to stop spiraling after rejectionThe “big four” habits for managing bipolar and depression: sleep, nutrition, joyful activity, and stress managementWhy it’s never too late to learn new coping strategiesTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and guest co-host Dr. Anita Sands 01:19 - Why it’s hard to keep trying new tools when depression persists 01:47 - Introducing Patty, diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 30 02:20 - Early struggles with symptoms and lack of family support 03:28 - Working in the record industry while masking mood swings 04:48 - Manic highs, depressive lows, and hospitalizations 05:24 - Impact on children and family life 06:34 - Learning more about her illness and building a coping toolbox 07:42 - Medication side effects and long-term stability 08:09 - Early warning signs: sleep disruption and mania 09:18 - Strategies to prevent episodes from escalating 10:39 - Depression’s “black hole” and negative thought patterns 11:20 - Discovering CBT and learning to challenge thoughts 12:45 - Example: spiraling after a canceled lunch 13:48 - Using CBT to reframe thoughts and protect relationships 16:34 - Challenging deep, self-critical thoughts with gratitude and love 17:46 - Why it’s never too late to learn new skills for mental health 19:48 - Bipolar disorder as a circadian rhythm disorder 20:45 - The “big four” for mental health: sleep, nutrition, joyful activity, stress management 22:11 - Wrap-up and preview of next week’s CBT-focused episodeExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Too often, people living with depression are told they’re “weak” or “lacking faith.” These false beliefs not only fuel stigma—they also isolate people from the support they deserve.In this powerful conversation, Victor Armstrong—a leading mental health advocate—shares how harmful narratives about depression being a moral or spiritual failure have shaped communities, families, and even faith traditions. He explains why the truth is the opposite: those living with depression and suicidal thoughts often show extraordinary resilience and strength.Through stories, compassion, and lived wisdom, Victor invites us to see the humanity behind the struggle and to respond with understanding, not judgment. His words are paired with reflections from the Giving Voice to Depression team and excerpts from an essay titled The Strength in Depression. Together, they remind us that surviving each day with depression is itself an act of courage.Primary Topics Covered:Why depression is not a sign of spiritual or moral weaknessVictor Armstrong’s journey as a Black man, advocate, and son of a preacherThe role of stigma in communities, families, and faith traditionsWhy resilience should be celebrated, not shamedThe impact of the pandemic on mental health for adults and childrenThe importance of seeing people beyond their strugglesThe gap between awareness and meaningful actionReflections on strength and courage from The Strength in Depression essayTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and welcome 01:08 - Meeting Victor Armstrong through his advocacy work 02:14 - “You matter, your life matters, you are enough” 03:23 - Seeing humanity instead of weakness in mental health struggles 04:01 - Why surviving suicidal thoughts shows strength 04:40 - Shifting perspectives to compassion and love 05:41 - The pandemic’s toll on adults and children 07:25 - Awareness vs. meaningful action in mental health 07:37 - Stigma in families, communities, and faith traditions 08:54 - Growing up without hearing mental health discussed in church 09:57 - Why people with mental health challenges face unique discrimination 10:09 - The added weight of stigma for Black men with depression 11:04 - Why mental health remains taboo compared to other struggles 12:27 - How stigma blames people for their depression 12:32 - Closing reflections and reading from The Strength in Depression 15:43 - Seeing depression as a fight that shows immense strength 16:25 - Accepting depression’s influence while rejecting its lies 16:45 - Closing thanks and preview of next week’s episodeExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Depression is not a sign of weakness, failure, or a lack of faith. Yet stigma — especially in families, faith communities, and society at large — often frames it that way, leaving those who live with depression feeling judged or dismissed.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, mental health advocate Victor Armstrong shares why depression is not a spiritual or moral failing, but a human health condition that requires compassion and support. He and the hosts explore how reframing depression as strength, rather than weakness, can help fight stigma, encourage openness, and validate the lived experiences of millions.The episode also features excerpts from Lauren Brady’s essay The Strength in Depression, offering powerful reminders that those who live with depression demonstrate resilience every day.Link to article quoted in episode: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/the-strength-in-depressionPrimary Topics Covered:Why depression is not a spiritual or moral weaknessHow stigma harms those living with depressionThe strength it takes to live with suicidal thoughts and keep fightingVictor Armstrong’s reflections on compassion, stigma, and supportHow cultural attitudes shape our views on mental healthThe role of churches, families, and communities in perpetuating stigmaDepression during the pandemic and its impact on children and familiesThe importance of reframing depression as resilience and strengthLauren Brady’s essay The Strength in DepressionWhy compassion and support are critical for healingTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and welcome  01:08 – Introducing guest Victor Armstrong  02:14 – The power of validating messages for those in pain  03:23 – Seeing people for their humanity, not perceived weakness  04:01 – Why labeling depression as weakness is harmful and dangerous  04:40 – Shifting perspectives to see value and compassion in others  05:41 – How the pandemic exposed the fragility of mental wellness  07:25 – Why awareness without action is not enough  08:54 – Discrimination faced by people with mental health challenges  10:09 – Cultural and faith-based stigma in Black communities  11:21 – Why mental health remains taboo compared to other struggles  12:32 – Reflection: how stigma frames depression as weakness  13:03 – Lauren Brady’s essay *The Strength in Depression*  15:13 – Redefining strength in the face of depression  16:25 – Hosts’ reflections on how depression shapes resilience  17:05 – Closing thoughts and community invitation  Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Season 20 of Giving Voice to Depression was filled with raw, honest conversations about living with depression and the different ways people find hope, healing, and resilience. In this review episode, Bridget and Terry highlight some of the most powerful lessons and tools shared by guests — from building supportive routines and asking for help to facing stigma and embracing humor.This is a perfect episode for both longtime listeners and those new to the podcast — offering a condensed look at how real stories of depression recovery can make us feel connected, understood, and less alone.Primary Topics Covered:Why prioritizing mental health requires a holistic approachStories of dual diagnosis and recovery through musicHow depression can both strip away and rebuild identityThe role of routines and small wins in managing depressionBreaking stigma by talking openly about depression and medicationRedefining what “okay” looks like when living with depressionHomesickness for your former self — and how to copeTurning breakdowns into breakthroughs by asking for helpFacing the “impossible task” symptom of depressionUsing humor and honesty as powerful coping toolsTimestamps:00:00 - Season 20 introduction and purpose of review 01:21 - Prioritizing mental health as a daily goal 03:07 - Dual diagnosis: depression and substance abuse 04:49 - Depression’s losses and rebuilding identity 06:22 - Routine as a mental health tool 09:00 - Sick Not Weak: recognizing depression’s slow creep 10:22 - The role of medication and reducing stigma 11:47 - What “okay” looks like when living with depression 13:27 - What depression makes us miss most 15:26 - Saying goodbye to hiding depression 16:11 - From breakdown to breakthrough moments 17:22 - Asking for and accepting help 19:01 - When depression makes normal tasks impossible 22:00 - Using humor and honesty to cope with depression 23:11 - Closing reflections and gratitude to guestsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What if you could talk back to depression the same way you would defend a friend from a bully? In this candid episode, comedian and rapper Zane Thomas shares his lived experience with bipolar disorder, addiction, and suicidal thoughts—and how humor and self-talk became lifelines in his recovery.Zane opens up about substance use, the lies depression tells, and the power of reaching out before it’s too late. He shows us how laughter, connection, and the simple question “What are you excited for?” can shift perspective and create space for hope.This is an unfiltered, stigma-smashing conversation about surviving with mental illness and building resilience, one honest moment at a time.Primary Topics Covered:Zane’s lived experience with bipolar disorder and addictionHow depression lies and repeats the same messages to everyoneTalking back to dark thoughts as a coping toolUsing humor as a form of healing and connectionSubstance abuse as a coping mechanism—and its dangersThe role of community, social media, and support networksWhy asking “What are you excited for?” is a powerful mental health questionThe importance of language when talking about suicide and mental healthTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Zane Thomas and his story 02:09 - Zane’s viral Instagram video on suicidal thoughts 04:23 - Talking back to depression like a bully 06:49 - Realizing depression tells everyone the same lies 07:57 - Using humor as a mental health coping strategy 09:05 - Dealing with depression that comes from “nowhere” 10:37 - The power of the word “yet” in recovery 11:42 - Music, comedy, and creativity shaped by mental illness 12:35 - How substance use became a coping mechanism 13:31 - The turning point: losing a friend and drug use escalation 14:29 - Alcohol’s toxic impact on bipolar disorder 15:28 - Gambling with alcohol and emotions 16:54 - Why Zane offers to listen before it’s too late 17:01 - The best question to ask someone struggling: “What are you excited for?” 18:00 - Fighting stigma by keeping conversations real and supportiveExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/